Mrs. Erickson’s parents, Stacia and Collin, had purchased fourteen and a half a few years before Mrs. Erickson’s birth.

“Is an owner listed for the missing fourteen?” Teela asked Records. To Kaylin she added, “This is why good record keeping and competent bureaucracy is essential.”

Records coughed up a name. Teela’s frown froze on her face, but her eyes became a midnight blue. The name was Barrani, or at least styled as Barrani names were styled—some of the more pretentious human families chose names that were as close to Barrani as they could legally be.

Given Teela’s reaction, that wasn’t the case here. Kaylin took note of the name: Azoria An’Berranin. “Arcanist?” When Teela failed to answer, Kaylin glanced at her profile; it was rigid and pale. “So I guess you’re going to visit the High Halls.”

Teela’s nod was so rigid it was a wonder she could move her head.

You will be expected to accompany An’Teela, a familiar voice said. Ynpharion inserted himself into her thoughts through the bond they reluctantly shared.

Kaylin was never going to understand Ynpharion. She held his True Name. He hated the fact; he found it both lowering and humiliating. The taking of that name had, in the end, saved lives—one of them, Ynpharion’s. But Ynpharion seemed to be one of those death-before-dishonor Barrani. Ah, no—all Barrani evinced that position, but in her opinion, few actually believed it.

Ynpharion did. His home was now the High Halls; he served the Consort personally.

Did you recognize the name? Azoria An’Berranin?

No—but the Lady does, and she is...unsettled by it. The Lady is desirous of your company.

Because of the name?

I think it is more than that, but I at least have a modicum of patience. And a ton of condescension.

It is not condescension, it is frustration. You have tools available to you that you do not wish to use. There are other people to whom you can turn for information; I suggest you consider them. I have no intention of doing all of your thinking for you.

“Kitling?”

“Sorry, I was talking to Ynpharion.”

Teela frowned, a reminder that Kaylin’s name bonds were supposed to be a deep, dark secret that she carried with her to the grave. Lack of secrecy simply meant the grave might be a more immediate destination.

“Did he have anything useful to say?”

“Not a lot, and all of it was condescending.”

“Ah. He is frustrated with you?”

“Always. But at least he’s consistent.” She hesitated and then said, “He thinks the Consort wants to talk to me. Or us—he told me I should accompany you when you go to the High Halls.”

“I am not taking you to the High Halls dressed like that.”

“Like a Hawk?”